Best Baby Milk Formula Shopping Tips

14:39
Lynn Toh
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Choosing the right nourishment for your baby is a pretty weighty decision which can make you feel overwhelmed in the formula aisle.

When choosing the best milk formula for your baby, you have to first consider the form it comes in, the type of carbohydrate and protein it provides, and what other ingredients are included. This will make it easier for you to choose the formula that is best for your baby and your family's lifestyle.

Formulas usually come in three form such as Ready-to-use, liquid concentrate, and powdered.

Ready-to-use formula is without doubt the most convenient because no mixing or measuring is required, all you need to do is just open and serve. However, they cost about 20 percent more per ounce than powdered formula and once opened, ready-to-use formula has a very short lifespan.

Liquid concentrate formula, on the other hand, requires mixing equal parts of water and formula. When compared to ready-to-use formula, it is less expensive and it takes up less storage space.

Of all the formula options, powdered formula is the most economical and the most environmentally friendly.

Although, it takes more time to prepare than other types of formula, and directions must be followed exactly, it has a one-month shelf life after the container has been opened.

Different types of formula

When shopping for infant formula, note that there is always a formula to suit every baby's needs. And it is best to stick with one type of formula and resist the urge to switch, even if it seems that your baby is not digesting the formula well at first. Because common problems such as gas, spitting up, and colic are usually not related to your baby's diet. It is advisable to try out a particular type of formula for at least two weeks. After which you can talk to his doctor about switching if your baby is still having trouble.

There are different types of infant formula to choose from depending on it's constituents. There are:

Cow's-milk-based formula:

which has cow's milk as the main ingredient. It is the most common with just the right balance of carbohydrate, protein, and fat.

Partially and extensively hydrolyzed formulas:

The protein in this formula is broken down into small parts or even smaller parts that are easier for your baby. If your baby has a milk protein allergy, he may need a hydrolyzed formula.

Soy-based formula:

These formulas are made with a plant protein that is modified for easy digestion.

Lactose-free formula:

If your baby is lactose intolerant, a soy formula or another formula in which the lactose is replaced with a different sugar may be recommended by his doctor.

Shopping Tips

It is not advisable to stock up on infant formula before you give birth. If you plan on using formula, make sure you ask your pediatrician for a recommendation, but never buy much of it until after your baby is born. This is because most companies are generous with samples, and the hospital may give you loads of samples when you are going home. Also, if you register at a baby store for gifts or people get to know that you're expecting, you may receive freesamples or money-saving checks in the mail from formula companies.

Shop at mass merchandisers.

Generally, formula prices are usually lowest at mass merchandisers.

Also, milk-based formula tends to cost less than soy-based formula, so don't buy soy or another type of special formula unless it is recommended by your pediatrician.

Cash in with coupons during sales.

Before going to the store for infant formula, check for savings by previewing weekly store ads online. You can then bring any manufacturer's coupons you've been stockpiling during sales and load up on the largest cans you can find.

If you have more shopping tips to add, please do leave them in the comment section below.